Monitors

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Your Desktop Monitor

When buying a PC monitor there are several factors to take into consideration. The most common considerations are screen size, resolution, refresh rate and panel type. You've invested a lot in your computer; you want to know you're seeing it through!

One of the biggest considerations for anyone looking to buy a new pc monitor is the size of the screen but biggest isn't always the best for the job. Depending on your lifestyle you have several choices to choose from when it comes to monitors variations.

If you're planning on using your monitor for watching movies, playing games or viewing photos then a larger monitor may enhance the experience. If the goal is productivity and space permits then you should consider an ultra-wide monitor or perhaps even a dual monitor setup to maximize desktop space. In situations where you're operating a point of sale terminal or even extensive graphic design consider a touch screen monitor to speed things up.

Speaking of productivity and viewing experience, screen resolution has a huge factor in the picture clarity and usability of space. With Full HD 1080p currently being the outgoing standard perhaps consider upgrading to a 4K Ultra HD (UHD) monitor for 3840 x 2160 screen desktop area and increased picture clarity.

Today the standard monitor refresh rates is 60Hz but can be considered quite low for people into competitive gaming. Whether gaming professionally or leisurely the typical gamer will want to opt for a monitor featuring 120Hz or 144Hz refresh rates to prevent the effects of image ghosting that occurs when the frames per second (FPS) output by the graphics card is too fast for the monitor to display.

When choosing your monitor consider a display which features variable refresh rate technology (G-Sync, Adaptive-Sync, FreeSync etc.) which can adjust the monitor refresh rate depending on the output from your computer video card for the smoothest, consistent visual experience.

Depending on the nature of your needs panel type can be one of your biggest factors when buying a monitor.

Twisted Nematic (TN) monitors are the most common option and have been the go-to option for gamers. With refresh rates from 144hz up to 165hz these monitors greatly reduce ghosting. By providing the fastest picture on screen at a low cost these are a great option for entry-level gaming.

Vertical Alignment (VA) monitors have superior viewing angles and higher brightness levels compared to TN monitors but do not offer the same refresh rate speeds as their TN counterparts. With that in mind the VA monitor offers the best value for the everyday user.

IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitors are best known for their vibrant colour reproduction, sharp contrast and rich blacks making every pixel on screen a lifelike visual spectacle. Unlike TN and VA monitors, IPS monitors offer the best viewing angles making every image clear and consistent regardless of your perspective. IPS monitors are excellent for graphic design, photography or simply enjoying movies. Response time and refresh rates for IPS monitors has improved significantly over the years resulting in the best visual experience for gaming.